Research in higher education: a panacea for national development in nigeria

Higher education in Nigeria was established for a definite purpose. The goals which are spelt out in the National Policy on Education are pursued through teaching, research and community service. Learning therefore at the tertiary level of education as explained by Babalola and Jaiyeoba (2008) could be described as being effective if it results in bringing about the expected transformation in the attitudes, skills and knowledge of higher education in students over a period of time. Invariably, the role of the University is not only to train future academics, but also to train technical workers and managers and to upgrade their knowledge when necessary. This means the academics themselves try hard to keep up-date on the most recent advances (which make quick progress around the world) in fundamental and technical knowledge. This could only be achieved through research work. This paper therefore looks into the goals of tertiary education in Nigeria. It as well discusses on the types of research carried out at the tertiary level of education. It discusses the importance of research on the economy. It equally discusses on why higher education in developing countries like Nigeria need research work. The paper concludes with recommendations on how to improve and encourage research work in higher education.